It would take some rather ostentatious displays of plumage to make this 1979 AMC Concord for sale on Hemmings.com any more typical of the 1970s. On the one hand, there’s the Magnum 500 wheels and the 304-cu.in. V-8, while on the other hand, there’s the brown slathered all over it, inside and out. We’d like to know how a Concord like this remained in such pristine condition all these years. From the seller’s description:

1979 American Motors Concord “X” 2 door hatchback with the optional, ultra “unseen” targa roof band. 31,669 actual miles! In the collector car hobby we have all seen the word “rare” used extensively. Often times the vehicle being described isn’t rare or anywhere near it. This car you are viewing is rare, not only threatened or endangered but virtually extinct. You’re likely to never see one. AMC regional as well as national presidents, directors or enthusiasts can attest to the scarcity of this AMC. The car is tight; the car is sound and is a pleasure to drive. This car is equipped as follows: 304 cubic inch v-8, (the biggest engine AMC offered in the concord for 1979). Dual exhaust, done as professionally as it gets. Power steering, am/fm radio, rear defroster, and factory air-conditioning that will blow you right out of the car, brand new Pirelli radials over mint magnum 500 wheels, reclining front buckets seats, (very, very comfortable), with integrated headrests and optional super rare window vent shields. The car runs, performs and responds nothing short of spectacular, period. The automatic transmission offers precise, “dead-on” shifting. You’d be surprised how quick the car is, very impressive.

That is about as nice as they come and the seller is right, when was the last time you saw one. The Concords never got the attention they deserved, very nice drivers, maybe a bit nose heavy with the V8, and AMC always made super comfortable seats.

While the ’79 Concord hatch was a fairly low production item, I believe the “ultra unseen” targa roof band was standard. The Magnum 500’s are not correct, nor is the 304 badge on the fender. And was there was no “X” model for that matter. It’s a nice unit, but I think it’s being represented as some sort of time capsule original, which it isn’t.

I looked at that car the other day. It’s a very nice car but it”s a fake. There was no such thing as a Concord “X”. A previous owner stuck “X” stickers on the grille, glove box door and liftgate not to mention the wrong wheels, aftermarket vent shades and door speakers. It also appears to have been repainted as I saw imperfections in the paint. Did any of you notice the asking price? They’re asking $17,500. At most, it’s a $6,000 car.

I can tell you some more about the car….It has the wrong seats. The original seats were high back buckets similar to what you would find in a Gremlin. This car has seats from the two door or four door 1978 Concord. I had a 1978 Concord Hatchback in college with a 258. The fact that this has a 304 v8 means one of two things: it is extremely rare or it has had a very well done engine transplant. The 304 badges are from early 70s. There was no Concord X but there were Hornet Hatchback X’s. That all said, this is one beautiful car. Why hate it? Enjoy it for what it is: A sporty AMC Hatchback with comfortable seats, a powerful engine and there are few left in this remarkable condition today.